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Abodes of Lord Vishnu • Curated by Padmani

14. Arulmigu Vajoolavalli Thayar sameda Vyugavasudevan Koil

Thiru Naraiyur (Nachiyar Koil)

Temple Timing: 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Mulavar Thiru Naraiyur Nambi, Vyugavasudevan, Sugandhavananathan
Utsavar Srinivasan
Thayar Vajoolavalli (Nambikai Nachiyar)
Kshethram
Pose & Direction Standing pose facing East
Theertham Manimutha Pushkarani, Sangarshana Theertham, Prathyumana Theertham, Anirudhruthan Theertham, Saamba Theertham
Vimanam Srinivasa Vimanam
Sthala Vruksham Vilva Vruksham, Vagullam (Magizham Tree)
Paadiyavar Thirumangai Alwar
Travel Base Kumbakonam
Nearest Railway Station Thirunageswaram

Location & Access

This temple is located at the 6th mile from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam-Thiruvarur route. It is better known as "Nachiyar Koil". The temple is on the roadside with basic facilities. Stay either at Kumbakonam or near Oppiliyappan Temple to visit.

History

Sage Medhavi performed penance under a Vanjula tree to have Mother Mahalakshmi as his daughter. She appeared before him on the Utharam star day in Panguni, and he named Her Vanjuladevi. Lord Mahavishnu came in five forms searching for Her. Garuda spotted Mother in the sage's ashram, and Perumal requested to marry Her. The sage agreed on the condition that his daughter would hold primary authority. Perumal accepted and gave Garuda prominent status in this temple, giving the place the name Nachiarkoil.

Architecture & Features

Thirumangai Azhwar was initiated into Vaishnavism here with the divine symbols (Mudradanam) of the conch and discus directly from the Lord acting as a Guru. The sanctum is structured to emphasize the prominence of Thayar, with Mother standing slightly ahead of Perumal and leading all divine processions. The temple is famous for its stone Garuda deity, which dramatically increases in weight when carried out in procession.